As you search for the best travel nursing assignments, remember that it is not just about a paycheck. Your decision should include experiences that fit your professional goals and your lifestyle preferences. Consider the culture, the work-life balance, and your geographic preferences. It might surprise you what the best travel location is for you when you go beyond the paycheck alone.
Beyond Pay
Salary is certainly a huge consideration when seeking the best travel location. However, it is not the only factor to weigh as you search for the best travel assignments. You can move past pay concerns by focusing your efforts on contracts with substantial benefits, housing stipends, and the chance to grow your career and not just your finances.
Cost of Living
The cost of living where you are considering working will determine if the assignment is financially worth your time. No matter what your salary is, it can easily pale in comparison to the high cost of living. Depending on the location that interests you, the destination might have a substantially high rent, even for short-term. You might find yourself looking to your paycheck to make up the difference.
The daily costs, such as groceries, dining, and gas, vary among regions. Travel costs can really add up when you are on an assignment that requires frequent commuting or flights home.
Do not forget to consider tax implications, too. Some states have high income tax rates that can cut into your take-home pay, which makes an assignment in a tax-free state appealing. Be sure to take the time to compare assignments with the cost-of-living.
Culture
Culture, whether professional or personal, can impact your travel location. All healthcare organizations differ in their culture. To get a sense of the type of culture you might encounter at your new location, read reviews from travel nurses who are current or former employees. Your comfort level is put to the test no matter where you go, so understand what you want from a location, such as fast-paced and exciting, isolated and peaceful, or a mixture of the two.
You can also expect a change in patient demographics. If you are going to a new region, the patient population will be different, with a variety of healthcare concerns. If possible, try to understand the area to help you know what cultural norms to expect. There may be language barriers, too. Consider the culture when you weigh your travel destination options.
Location
Choice of location is a significant factor. Try to consider what will fit your needs and goals. Perhaps you prioritize an area with plenty of outdoor opportunities, or entertainment and cultural experiences? Maybe you are a beach person who is looking for plenty of sunshine?
Some assignments offer work in prestigious facilities, while others are known for their training and development opportunities. You can find a location near family and friends or one that boasts stable contracts and extension opportunities. Once you evaluate what is important to you regarding location, there are many choices.
Work-Life Balance
Your job as a nurse is a stressful and demanding one. High salaries quickly lose their appeal when your physical and mental health are affected. Opportunities that encourage work-life balance give you a chance to recharge and take care of yourself. Workplaces that support balance will help you sustain your career for the long term instead of quickly becoming burned out.
A trusted staffing partner can place you in an assignment that meets your needs and keeps you on your career path as a travel nurse. ADN Healthcare helps travel nurses find assignments that work for them. Let them help you!
